breast cancer

I’m an Original – Nancy’s Story

Nancy P. is not someone who gives up in the face of daunting odds. Five years ago, after detecting a lump in her breast, she didn’t accept a dismissive diagnosis that it was ‘just a cyst.’ When, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, she was finally able to obtain a mammogram and her cancer was diagnosed, she didn’t accept the bleak prognosis that was given to her. And throughout it all, Nancy was determined not to lose her long, blonde hair.

From an early age, her hair played an important part of her identity, and keeping it healthy during treatment was an essential part of her strategy to survive and even thrive despite grueling bouts of radiation and chemo. She discovered Original Moxie in 2013, shortly after her diagnosis, and credits it with helping to keep her hair throughout her treatment. While she has experienced some dryness and breakage, most of her hair is intact and continuing to grow at a good rate. Her favorite is the Get Clean! No-foam Shampoo, which is key in helping to keep the hair and scalp moisturized and balanced.

Nancy explains that her mother, a breast cancer survivor, and her son Joe were essential supports during the emotional and physical roller coaster of cancer treatment. They both affirm that Nancy’s hair is integral to her sense of self and that being able to retain it helped her to stay positive and motivated. As she explains, “Even on chemo and other meds, at the end of the day, no one can tell that I’m battling a serious health issue. My healthy hair shows that cancer does not define who you are or what you look like”.

Nancy with Son Joe

At one of her lowest points, Nancy discovered the Cancer Treatment Center of America, where she is currently receiving treatment. She says it has “literally saved my life”. It’s been five years since she first discovered her lump and, while she’s still takes oral chemotherapy medication twice a day, she says that “the results we’ve seen, according to my oncologist, are nothing short of miraculous.”

As part of our I’m an Original Project, celebrating the inspiring ‘hair-stories’ within our Original Moxie community, we gifted Nancy with a professional photo shoot at Pearl Street Studios in Ypsilanti, MI. The experience was a powerful one for everyone involved, from hair and makeup to Photographer Carolyn McCarthy. You can see Nancy’s emotional response to her portraits and learn more about her journey in this video. For more information about the I’m an Original Project, visit https://www.originalmoxie.com/im-an-original/.